Online Application and Permitting Systems for Local Government
Online permitting software for applications, reviews, approvals, fees, payments and renewals in one workflow.
GovOwl is online permitting software for cities and counties that need one place to manage permit applications, reviews, inspections, payments, and renewals. Instead of paper forms, email threads, and manual routing, GovOwl gives departments a clear digital permitting system that staff and applicants can both follow.
A Single Online Permitting System
GovOwl supports permitting across Environmental Health, Code Enforcement, Building, Fire, Planning, Licensing, and similar programs.
Applicants can:
- Start online permit applications
- Upload documents and plans
- Pay fees online
- Track status through the public permit portal
Staff see organized queues, clean histories, and complete submissions instead of scattered emails.
Digital Workflows and Reviews
Each permit type uses its own digital workflow:
- Routing across divisions or reviewers
- Sequential or parallel steps
- Required approvals
- Automatic notices for corrections or comments
For permits requiring plan review, GovOwl keeps submissions, reviewer comments, uploads, and resubmittals together so everyone sees what changed and what was approved. Supervisors can monitor workload and turnaround times without spreadsheets.
Inspections Connected to Each Permit
Inspections generated from permits flow directly to mobile devices:
- Checklists, notes, photos, and signatures
- On-site results instantly update the permit
- Holds, next steps, and reinspection needs stay visible to all staff
Permit techs, inspectors, reviewers, and counter staff work from the same information.
Fees, Payments, and Renewals
GovOwl handles flat, tiered, and unit-based fees, including surcharges and reinspection fees. Staff can update fees, record in-office payments, and use online payment processing.
Renewals pre-fill prior data, track schedules, send reminders, and flag expired permits so departments stay current without manual tracking.
Built for Multi-Department Permitting
Agencies can begin with a single program—such as Environmental Health, Building, Licensing, or Fire—and add more as needed. Each department keeps its own forms and workflows, while leadership can see overall permitting activity and trends in one place. GovOwl becomes the shared permitting system for your city or county without forcing a full system replacement.
Ready to modernize your permitting process?
See how GovOwl helps staff and applicants move permits forward with clear online workflows.